Outlook: The Plainsmen are in another reloading phase after graduating several players from last year's Sectional runner-up team.

"I'm really looking forward to working with these kids," said Carrese. "They are a fun group to work with " very coachable."

Having Smith and Goerold back in the pitching rotation should help Shen. Smith " who has already committed to pitching at SUNY Binghamton next year " and Goerold both can throw fastballs above 80 m.p.h., and Goerold has some effective off-speed pitches he can rely on.

"(Having two veteran pitchers is) the key to the whole thing because in all of Section II, a lot of the top pitchers have graduated," said Carrese. "You can only name five or six quality pitchers who are back."

Outlook: Several Suburban Council coaches are already touting Hartman as the toughest pitcher in the league, but if the Scotties are going to move up the standings, they'll need their other veteran hurlers to step up.

"Jimmy Tino has done really well. He's worked really hard in the off-season," said Sunkes. "Both Baldanis have worked hard as well in the weight room."